Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the Chamber and thank him for the work he is doing and the contribution he is making, particularly on cycleways and walkways. Tipperary has benefited on the back of his work. The work he is doing is extremely genuine. He, in particular, is very genuine.

The N24 is probably the worst road between two cities in the country. The average speed on it is well below the average speed between two urban cities, which is 90 km/h. The proposed new N24, connecting Limerick and Waterford, is vital to the future of the southern region. Connections between Shannon Airport and Rosslare are all the more important after Brexit. The proposed route will bypass four towns in County Tipperary, namely, Tipperary town, Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir. Senator Pauline O'Reilly noted earlier how a bypass can enhance the town centres of all such towns.

I assume the Minister is not aware that a letter was sent to his Department from Tipperary County Council to request a meeting. Is he aware of it? The request was refused by the Department. The council was very upset by this. The Minister has met other representatives, which is respected, but I am referring to the cathaoirleach, CEO and mayor. They, in particular, were very upset. I hope the Minister will be able to meet them. Fine Gael Oireachtas Members met local representatives to talk about the road and how much of a priority it is. We are all in agreement that it needs to be done for the region. Will the Minister meet the Oireachtas Members who were at the meeting last week as a matter of urgency in order that they can outline why they believe the road is so important to the region? Does the Minister agree with us and his Fine Gael colleagues in the region that the N24 needs to be upgraded to a suitable standard?